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Steph's SpaceNovember 18 New Blog SiteOkay, I've finally done it...I've moved my blog over to a site that's not ridiculously slow and will allow readers to post comments without having to set up an account.
My new blog site is:
If you wanna keep reading about the witty, tremendously exciting events that compose my life...move on over... October 11 Stressed Out...Warning! This blog entry may not brighten your day...read at your own risk.
So, I shouldn't even be taking the time to update this right now with all I have to do this weekend...but I'm trying to do so more regularly so that it doesn't get too long to read in a sitting. My long weekend, orginally a quiet, relaxing weekend where I would casually finish up my 'to do' list of things done is now looking more like a busy work-filled weekend, full of panic that everything is not going to get done. I know, sitting here writing my blog is not helping, but I need a break to have a quick coffee and a vent...maybe then I'll feel better...
Work is insane again. I really don't understand how I can't get on top of things with the hours I put in. This week was crazy busy with all sorts of school activities. I feel like I hardly taught anything...which I know can be a blessing, but I'm really starting to worry that I won't have things ready for report cards, which are looming only a few weeks away.
We took all of our students to a play at the new Persephone theater this week, it was a play on bullying and was really well done and the students loved it. We also did our big evacuation walk, which is definitely necessary, but of course takes more curriculum teaching time. We're really going to have to push through curriculum in the next few weeks.
Yesterday was a pd (professional development)/planning day. Quite honestly, it's only mid-October and I'm already all Pd'd out. Seriously, why can't we just cut it down to one big professional goal that we focus on for the year, rather than 50. I'd do a much better job of my goal if I actually had time to focus on it. Now my Pd sessions were good yesterday, but it was the planning time that I yet again found frustrating. It's time when I should get lots done and check many things off my 'to-do' list, but in fact, I was busy (yet again) with vp duties, so I got none of my teaching 'to dos' done, which means I get to spend my entire long weekend trying to work through them. I seriously spent a total of about 15 min in my office yesterday, and the rest running around and dealing with stuff, and helping people. And I know, that's my job, but it just would be nice to actually have planning time to plan for my own teaching. Sigh.
The next few weeks are short and I'm out of my classroom for workshops (more pd!) a ton and I just don't know how I"m going to cover curriculum when I see my students for the equivalent of 1.5 days this week! I'd love to take a sick day to get on top of my school work, but I can't even do that b/c I'm already out of the classroom too much, I just can't be away from my students anymore...heave forbid I actually do get sick and have to take a sick day!
Okay, enough complaining about work. I'm adoring my Grade 3/4 class. They are lots of fun and are so keen to learn. I've been thinking a lot about next year already and I'm thinking more and more about leaving French for a while and trying to get into the classroom full time, if it's an option. Guess we'll see. It would be nice to do the same grade level again next year...at least then my planning load would be a little less...
In my spare time this week I've been busy trying to get a few big things ready for Carolyn and Jason's big party coming up in 2 weeks. It's really fun stuff and I'm enjoying doing it...I just wish I had a little more free time to work on it...the deadline is coming up quickly...eek! I'm working on a slideshow for their recpeption so I've been looking at lots of old pictures lately. Such memories! I love watching slideshows at weddings, it's really quite fun to put one together. I hope it turns out perfectly! Hmm, I wonder if half my stress is attributed to the incredible perfection pressure that I put on myself?????
Next weekend is absolutely crazy, hence the pressure to get lots done this weekend. Barb and Denny are coming on Friday, I'm super excited to see them, but we have lots to get done Friday night to get ready for Carolyn's celebration. Then Saturday I'm off to Greenwater Lake for Stoi and Shawna's wedding! I can't believe that it's already next weekend! Where is the time going?
Today the man came to fix the little tear in my new loveseat. It was such a small little slice in the arm rest...you couldn't even see it unless you were inspecting the couch like a detective which I did when it arrived and found the little slice. It was so small I debated even calling Leons about it, but I figured, "hey, I paid good money for this couch, it should be in perfect condition when it arrives". They sent out the repair guy today, a really nice older man who doctored it up with fill, glue and leather dye and you can't even tell there was any slice there! My condo now smells like permanent marker (that's from the leather glue and dye I guess)....mmmmmmm.
Have I mentioned that I absolutely love my new sofa set? I seriously stand in my living room and look at how nice it looks. Crazy I know, but I love it! I have to admit that somedays I dont' want to sit on it b/c I want it to keep looking perfect forever! Haha, but of course I do sit on it...I'm not THAT crazy!
The rest of my weekend this weekend is very planned out. Today is my big school work day...I need to get tons of school work done today. Tonight is more work on C&J projects. Sunday I have a baby shower, and a thanksgiving supper to attend and it's also my big day of cleaning my condo...my, what a disaster my condo is!...how on earth do dishes build up so fast? and how on earth does the garbage bag start to smell just after just one day???? Seriously???
Monday will be spent finishing up school work and cleaning around my condo, followed by thanksgiving day supper #2. Busy, busy. I would love to kick back and watch a movie, or some tv, but I think that's doubtful until the end of October.
Speaking of movies, Jer and I went and saw the movie "Burn After Reading". It was really good, a funny movie with lots of surprising little parts. I highly recommend it!
I've been listening to a lot of tunes lately. I'm really into John Mayer's acoustic stuff right now, also of course Jack Johnson...my how I adore Jack Johnson. Jessica's new album is decent so I'm happy about that. I'm into a lot of mellow stuff right now...anything mellow....I need mellowness :P The Trews new singled "Man of Two Minds" is awesome so I"m happy to hear that around more and more.
TV is back on full swing. Thank goodness for my PVR! I just can't keep up with all the new shows. I'm all caught up on Weeds, a very funny little show. I've started Entourage which everyone tells me is fabulous. I've watched two episodes so far and enjoyed them...I'm sure I'll get into when I can watch it a little more regularly.
I picked up a few groceries last night...walked over to Extra Foods. Picked up some mandarin oranges!! I love mandarins! Anyway, had a bit of an interesting little experience while there. As I was picking through the produce this little old man walked in with a scarf wrapped around his face...that wasn't the interesting part. The interesting part came when he took off his scarf and had a medical mask over his face. So he starts picking through produce and then decides to take off his medical mask. Hmm, what's that all about? Is he wearing the mask to protect himself from others' germs?..if so, why would he take off the mask? Is he wearing the mask to protect others from his germs?...if so, why would he take off the mask? Either way I see it, I think the mask should have stayed on. Perhaps I'm just a germ-a-phobe right now due all the germs floating around school....pink eye, bronchitis, lice, yuck.
It's been ridiculously hot in my condo lately. The older lady down the hall (who keeps complaining to me about everything) came down to let me know how cold it was in our building and how we needed to get our second boiler up and running. I have to say that seeing her standing in front of me in shorts and flip flops complaining about the supposid low temps of our building made me question whether she really felt cold in our building, or whether she just likes to have control over things as she used to manage these condos and thinks she knows everything about how the condos should be run. I think she needs to take on a hobby.
Well, I suppose I should get back to work. Sorry about the complaining...rather than complain about having too much to do, I should just get on it and get it done...
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
October 02 October!Well, here we are...October already. You wouldn't know it from the weather though, man has it been awesome. I'm loving outdoor supervision on these days when it's +26 degrees!
So I thought I'd better post a little update, so as to keep my blogs to a decent, readable length.
Things continue to be busy, though not as crazy as they've been. I continue to plug along with my Grade 3/4's. Today was picture day so they were all dressed up with hair done, very cute. I've been reading a novel outloud to them over the past few weeks. I just love reading to them, b/c they just love being read to. Each day they literally beg me to read "just one more chapter". I'm amazed at how much they pick up just from listening to me read a novel to them...if only they would listen that well when I'm giving instructions :P
This past week was my Vice Principal seminar out at Jackfish Lake. I hadn't really been looking foward to it, but it turned out to be a pretty good time. It was really well organized, and the sessions were very meaningful. I knew a lot more people this year which made it easier too. Jackfish Lodge is very beautiful at this time of year, of course it helped that it was so nice outside, we even got to do a few sessions outside, and on Tuesday evening, we ate supper out on the deck, overlooking the golf course. It was definitely a re-treat this year!
My shopping problem continues. I just can't not spend money. Danielle was in town last weekend, so of course I went shopping with her, and of course I coudln't resist buying a few things...including this completely fabulous dress that I'm going to wear to Carolyn and Jason's reception later this month!! And, with a new dress, one needs new shoes...so I found a pair that I liked, but they didn't have my size in stock. Well, how handy is this, not only will they order me the size I need, but they will deliver the shoes when they arrive! Now, that's service! Everytime a truck pulls up the to the school I cross my fingers that it's the UPS guy :) Anyway, I had a great weekend with Danielle and Erin. We enjoyed a little 'slumber party' type visit on Friday night after my old couch had been sold and taken away, then shopping all day Saturday and Saturday evening we enjoyed appetizers and beer at a pub. Thanks for the fun times ladies!
Exciting news...my new couch and love seat arrived this last weekend and I LOVE THEM!!! They look so great in my living room, they fit perfectly! And they are pretty comfy...check out the pics!
Last week Mom was in town over night. It was super awesome to have her here...she helped me with my "survivor pool" bulletin board for school and we enjoyed a mom-daughter supper out at Original Joes. We had a completely excellent visit :)
As you all know, the Sex and the City movie was released last week. I bought it first thing on Tuesday evening and watched it over at Sol's place on Wednesday. I just love that movie! And best of all, there were some scenes in the movie that weren't in the theater!
This week has been the week of babies I tell ya...I know 4 that were born!! Huge congratulations going out to Heather and Jerry who welcomed twins Ryley and Ashlyn into the world on Monday and congrats to Cindy and Trent who are enjoying their brand new son Wyatt! Last night Jill and I went to visit our friend from work Darcie who gave birth to her daughter on Tuesday! I got some snuggles in with Darcie's little one last night...so super adorable! I'm so happy that all arrived healthy! I've seen pics and can't wait to meet them all in person...they are seriously cute!
Fall tv has started up! Yay! So many shows to watch! I have also started watching Entourage as everyone tells me its so great. I have only watched the pilot, and it was okay...perhaps it was built up too much for me....
I can hardly believe that it's Thanksgiving already next weekend. I was thinking of going to Flin Flon, or Camrose, or Dauphin for the long weekend, but since I'm going to be out of town celebrating weddings the two weekends following that I"ve decided to lay low and just try to get a ton of school work done here in Stoon.
Happy Birthday wishes to Chris, Dave, Mom and Alecia who just celebrated their birthdays at the end of September!
 Well, I know this was a super not-exciting entry today but I'm so exhausted I could fall asleep typing this...no jokes..I fell asleep at the dentist not that long ago...I now believe it's possible to fall asleep anywhere!
Cheers, enjoy your weekend all!
 Steph September 20 CRAZY!...the theme of my life these days!Wow life has been crazy. It's been about a month since I've updated, totally b/c I've been running for a month straight. So much has happened in the last month...I'm going to try to remember...
Work has been absolutely nuts. It was by far one of the roughest start-ups to school ever. It all started on registration day when we had fewer kids register than we had expected. Not a ton fewer, but we did lose some kids we weren't expecting. We did gain some new students, but they all came into grades in which we were already high in numbers, so it resulted in us spending an entire day re-aligning our school and turning most of our classrooms into combined, or split classrooms, which never really makes anyone, teachers, students, or parents very happy. Surprisingly the parents handled it very well, I guess the thought of classrooms with a huge numbers in them was a less apealling option. However it's been rough on us teachers as many of us are now teaching combined classrooms, which is always more of a challenge, but many of us are also teaching grades very unfamiliar to us. When I was looking at a switch to Grade 4 for this year, I was nervous having never taught lower than Grade 7/8. Grade 4 was pretty much the lowest I was thinking I'd go...well, now I'm teaching Grade 3/4. Wow. What a difference from Grade 7/8! It has been quite the learning experience for me...somedays I think I may be learning more than the kids are :P I do have to admit that students this age are quite fun and I go home at the end of each day with a funny story or comment that a student made. The kids are very eager at this age, and boy do they love to read, write and tell me stories! And they are so eager to please, all I have to do is give them a look if they aren't doing their job and they get right on it. The pace is much slower too, somedays I find that I'm hardly getting through much material at all. For the past 2 weeks we've been learning how to write in our day planner. EAch day we practice copying homework and reminders off the board into our organizers...slowly we're getting there! Somedays I feel so out of my element, but I think over the course of the year I'm going to come to love this grade level. A few things have helped spike my learning curve...like when a student's tooth falls out and he asks you for a special little tooth envelope?...teachers have those? Well, apparently Grade 3 teachers should have those as I'm told by my little Grade 3's. Well, Ms.Elliott now has little tooth envelopes :) If anymore teeth fall out, I'm prepared :) Stay tuned, I'm going to have some great stories this year
 Besides the cuteness of my students and how my classroom is coming along, the rest of things at work were pretty rough. Reshuffling our classrooms also ment re-doing the schedules a few more times, which didn't make anyone happy. In addition, we started using a new math resource and set up math groups, which made some teachers not very happy, though in the long run I think it will help them out. We are also piloting a new program at our school in which we use two resource teachers in our school and fewer EA's. The idea is to have no students pulled out of a classroom, but rather to support them with 2 teachers right in the classroom. Well, like any pilot program, it's taking some time to get things figured out and of course we're presented with problems, and hurdles to find solutions for.
Needless to say the first two weeks of school I was putting in 12 - 14 hour days each day between my admin duties and my classroom teaching duties. Craziness. My birthday fell somewhere in the middle of it all, and I have to say, I was so busy with work that I almost kept forgetting it was my birthday!
Speaking of my birthday, I did celebrate my last one in my 20's. Thanks to all who sent cards, and gifts, who phoned and those who helped me celebrate in person. On the Tuesday before my birthday I went out for supper at Red Lobster with Dave, Shawna, Rob, Miche, Sol and Chris. It was a great dinner and fun to get out with friends. On my actual birthday I enjoyed a delicious DQ blizzard cake with Dave, Kelly, Rob and Miche! Thanks for the fun times guys! At school, the class of students with special needs made cupcakes and sang happy birthday to me which was super awesome! The students in that class were convinced that I was turning 18, too funny :)
 On the note of birthdays I must send out birthday wishes to Barb, Chris and Lois who all celebrated special days in the last little while. For the September long weekend I drove out to Camrose to see Barb, Grandma and the family and to get some back-to-school shopping done. I drove out late on the Friday and arrived in Camrose to Barb's lemon chicken rice soup. MMM, thanks Barb! On Saturday we spent the day at West Edmonton Mall. It was awesome to have that time with Barb. It felt like so long since I had spent time with her. We shopped our little hearts out all day until 7pm! We didn't even have time for IKEA! Saturday night we went over to Grandma's to visit with everyone. Auntie Mary and Uncle Bruce were there too, which was so nice as I don't get to see them much. On Sunday Barb and I zipped into Edmonton again so we could hit up IKEA. I broke down and bought a new dining table and chairs...check out the picture attached...I think it looks great! I'm really happy with it :) On Sunday night we had supper over at Grandmas with her, Uncle Dennis, Auntie Ethel, Darcy, Auntie Glenda and Uncle Louis. It was awesome to see everyone at all once and to have that time to visit. The weekend came and went so fast, but it was a great weekend.
The weekend following the long weekend was the weekend of Shawna's stagette. Miche and I went out with Shawna and her crew for her stagette/pubcrawl at various pubs/bars on Broadway. It was a pretty crazy time with a crazy scavenger hunt! I think everyone really enjoyed themselves! Only one more month until Shawna and Stoi's wedding!
Speaking of weddings, the weekend of the long weekend Barb and I got some crazy news...Carolyn and Jason got married on their trip to Vegas! They completely surprised us all with their very spur-of-the-moment decision! It's official...I now have a brother! At first I was kinda hurt that I had missed being there and being part of their special event, but of course I couldn't be happier for them. Jason is awesome, and everything I would ever want for my sister. They are planning a wedding reception for the end of October. I have already booked time off work and my flight down. I'm really looking foward to it, it's going to be an awesome time!
CONGRATULATIONS CAROLYN & JASON OSADCZUK! (did I spell it right?)I love you guys!
This week was my first 'clothing club' gathering. That's right, I've joined a clothing club. Basically how it works is that a group of us gals get together once a month for drinks and appetizers and throw $35 into a pot. Each month one name is drawn out of a hat and that person wins the pot for the month and is to buy clothes with the funds. Over the course of the 10 months of the school year (we're all schoolers) we will win the draw once, meaning we will win the amount of money we chip in over the year. Kind of silly but I liked the idea of having a time each month that we all get together to visit. I won the draw this month. Kind of good since I've had a bit of an addiction to shopping lately and though I don't need to buy any new clothes with the funds, I can now pay for the clothes I have very recently bought and put on my credt card :P
Speaking of paying for things, my couch and loveseat have finally arrived!!! Yay! After 2 months of waiting! So I went in Friday after work to pay off the balance remaining and to get delivery set up. I'm kind of ticked about the delivery part. The earliest they can deliver the set is Tuesday, which is fine, but they don't do any evening deliveries. Well, what about people who work? I would think nowadays most everyone works and wouldn't be available for daytime deliveries. It seems more and more it's hard to get service after work hours, which makes things difficult. So now I wait more...another week before they can deliver it on a weekend...well no kidding...probably b/c everyone books up the Saturdays b/c that's the only time they're home and not working. All seems so backwards.
Last weekend Barb came to S'toon to visit. We spent all day Saturday shopping for a wedding dress. It was such a fun day! We visited three shops and found a ton of dresses that looked amazing on Barb. I have to say it was very exciting to see her dressed in a wedding gown. My littlest sister! She is going to be such a beautiful bride! We narrowed it down to a couple, then finally to one. It's absolutely gorgeous, and perfect for Barb! I can't wait for you to all see her in it this summer! And, she has asked me to be a bridesmaid which I'm very excited about :)
Mom and Dave also came up for a couple of days over the weekend as we had gotten them Elton John tickets for their birthdays. While they were here we did some more shopping and enjoyed supper out at the Cave. It had been a while since they were here last. I totally enjoyed their company and having them here to visit. Thanks for the awesome bday gifts Mom and Dave. I'm loving and enjoying them all!!
A couple of weeks ago my cousin Ashley popped into Saskatoon for a sleepover. We had a nice little evening watchin' tv and catching up. I hope we can do that more often.
Not too much else is new I don't think. Izzie is great. See the picture of her attached, helping me mark my Grade 3/4 assignments!
It sounds like Dad and Margo have been having a great time on their cruise. They have been sending a lot of emails with cool pics and updates. The other night they called me from Paris. How cool is that?
Mom is going to be here later this week which I'm looking foward too. I always love a visit with her. Danielle is also coming up for the weekend which will be good, I haven't seen her since I was in Flin Flon in August. There will be some shopping involved...I will have to pull out all of my will power...wish me luck with that.
I also have my VP seminar out at Jackfish Lake coming up. I have to say that I'm not loving the VP job this year. I think I just am not at that stage of my career yet. I want to be able to focus on my classroom teaching and I can't do that being the VP. I'm really leaning towards not applying for an actual position after this year. I guess we'll see how the rest of the year goes.
I'm looking at some plans for a trip this winter. I know I will need to get away, it's just deciding when/where and if I can afford it :P My friend Meghan is getting married in Cuba at the end of January, which would be fun and I've never been to Cuba before, but will require a week off of work. I've also been thinking of hitting up Mazatlan for New Years. So many decisions to make.
Well I should probably wrap this blog up. I'm going to try to update more often...no garuntees.
Before I sign off I want to dedicate this posting to my most faithful reader Denny who celebrated a birthday yesterday.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DENNY! August 23 One Week Down...One week down...way too many more to count! Haha, well I was back at work for the full week this past week. Actually the week went really really well despite some small hiccups like working in an unairconditioned office when the temp outside is +39 (not that I'm complaining b/c I love the heat, and before we know it, it'll be -39) and having no computers or no computer network to work from. The no computer part was the biggest hassle. Our server was down so we couldnt' even access our documents or anything. It made getting school opening stuff ready pretty impossible. However, my secretary, my principal and I work amazing together and we got everything done, and on time too! We had a very productive week and I feel really good about our first two opening days with our staff. We have a lot of new staff, so I've put together a scavenger hunt which I'm hoping they'll find really fun..I wanted for them to mix and mingle and get to know each other, and also to find out where everything is in the school! My scheduling is going better, I still have a few glitches to work out this weekend, but cross your fingers I get it all worked out, and that my staff don't hate it.
I also spent a chunk of the week cleaning and organizing the Grade 4 classroom I'm going to be working in part time. I have to say that I am loving having a classroom to call my own! I totally think that next year I'm going to push for my own classroom full time. I have it all set up now, and I think it looks so great, hopefully my job share teacher is happy with it.
Other than school I had a fairly busy week. On Wednesday night my principal, my secretary and I went out for a really nice supper at Earls. We ended up sitting out on the patio visiting for hours. It was so relaxing...I enjoy those ladies so much! Also on Wednesday night, Chris came in from Flin Flon, so a few of us got together over a Sol's to hang out. Sol had saved up oodles of coins and had been keeping them in a huge bucket. He recently bought an electric coin roller and so we had a contest to guess how much money the coins would roll up to. We all made a guess and the next day Sol rolled up his money...and...I won!!! I had the closest guess...yay me....too bad there was really no prize :( Wouldn't it make sense for the rolled change to be the prize?...
Originally a bunch of us were thinking of going camping this weekend, but it just didn't pan out due to weather and stuff. So instead last night we went over to Sol's to play some board games. Chris, played on a team with me, Kelly and Miche while Dave, Sol, Robin and Derrick were our opponents. We played lots of fun games...good times. Sol has been debating lately whether people can tell the diff between Coke and Pepsi, so last night he also setup a taste challenge to test out his theories. The majority of us were able to tell the difference, including myself. Interesting.
This week students come back to school. I think it's going to be a busy busy week. I"ll probably end up spending most evenings in the school getting last minute things done....other than my birthday...I keep forgetting that it's coming up this week :P I'm off to Camrose/Edmonton for the long weekend. I"m really looking forward to seeing Barb and spending some time with the family. My Aunt Ethel and Darcy are going to be out there then too so there will be lots of family gatherings :) In addition Barb and I are going to spend a full day in Edmonton...I have a huge shopping list!...a girl needs new clothes for school!
Well, this has been quite the boring little blog, sorry Denny and other faithfull readers. I'll try to be more entertaining in my next one.
A quick happy birthday message going out to Maureen and Auntie Mary who celebrated yesterday! Happy Birthday!
I'm off for a little jog by the river, and then I have some things to buy for my classroom and a little school work to do!
Cheers!
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